Groundwater flow in the Ischia volcanic island (Italy) and its implications for thermal water abstraction

This study improves knowledge on the hydrogeology of Ischia Island, an active volcano of southern Italy. Combining previous published and unpublished data with newly collected data, and through the results of simplified numerical models, the existing conceptual hydrogeological model of the volcanic island has been reviewed and the present impact of intensive withdrawals on the island’s groundwater resources has been examined. Two areas with different hydrogeological characteristics have been recognized: (1) the resurgent block of Mt. Epomeo, where an independent and uplifted basal groundwater circulation exists; (2) the external areas of Mt. Epomeo, where a continuous basal aquifer and local discontinuous perched aquifers have been distinguished. The marginal faults of the resurgent block of Mt. Epomeo represent the preferential pathways of ascending deep fluids. In natural conditions, the island’s aquifers are recharged by rainfall and by deep fluids from beneath, discharging towards the sea and the springs. Since the start of activity at the spa facilities, involving intensive pumping from wells, a further and significant recharge of the aquifers has come from seawater and from increased upwelling of the deep fluids. Although this does not compromise the sustainability of the groundwater withdrawals in quantitative terms, the pumping rates determine the quality of the water captured by the wells. The great variability in temperature and chemical composition of groundwater of the island is also influenced by local hydrogeological parameters and characteristics of the wells from which the water samples were taken, as well as the phenomena of interaction among different end-members.